Passenger traffic at Des Moines International Airport rose by 9.9% in May, hitting the second-highest level on record at 259,601. 

American Airlines accounted for 32% of the market, with Delta Air Lines at 25% and United Airlines at 24%. 

Year to date passenger figures are up 9%, nearly double the growth needed to support the need for planned terminal project, according to airport officials. Financing for the new terminal and related work, a combined project of close to $500 million, is incomplete and airport officials are pushing hard for Congress to raise the limit on a key ticket fee approved by each airport independently. 

Airport chief Kevin Foley and air service coordinator Kayla Kovarna attended the Airports Council International’s JumpStart conference last week in Nashville, Tenn. They met with six airlines to pitch future flight additions in Des Moines.